2 of 10

CUT THE CRAP = MOST POPULAR�Public ENGAGEMENT… EVER

Experience from 4 x Dirty Water actions = people get it AND support us on this issue

Almost everyone knows there’s too much sewage / pollution in our rivers and seas
Very high awareness that water companies are shafting us all
Engaging topic – materials flew (1000+ leaflets, postcards, stickers during 2 protests)
Learning: If action is easy, people are willing to do something

3 of 10

Turn off the money tap

“…how about if people didn’t pay their water bill? What if the entire country said ‘Do you know what, we’re sick of your shit, posting record profits — we’re not paying until you deliver the infrastructure.’ Maybe that’s what will happen. People can vote with their wallets, it’s the most powerful tool there is”

Chris Packham, The Times 15.09.23

LET’S turn OFF the tap in 2024!

4 of 10

An action so easy, you can just do nothing for weeks…and weeks…and weeks

Don’t pay – personal experience

Decided in March not to pay my water bill (unmetered bill x 2 instalments)
Did nothing on 1^st April 2023 and waited…

20^th April – 1^st Reminder letter from Wessex Water (WW)

20^th May – 2^nd reminder “pay within 10 days to avoid further action”

14^th June – “Your account is seriously overdue” 10 more days or else…

28^th June – Debt Collectors letter (owned by WW) – start formal proceedings

12^th July – FINAL CHANCE – OR we’ll call to your property on 26.07.23 (no one came)

27^th July – paid water supply only for April-Sept (approx. 25% annual bill)

+ wrote to WW explaining my intentional non-payment and why e.g. “you are not upholding your end of the deal”

+ sent letter to media + media coverage for Dirty Water protest on 29^th July

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/23689183.weymouth-extinction-rebellion-hold-dirty-water-protest/

7^th Aug – response from debt collector… no communication until…

26^th Sept – someone from the Debt Collection Agency ‘tried’ to visit – left a calling card

5 of 10

High impact, low risk (based on experience)

Cut off the money supply with ZERO consequence to bill payer

Final warning before treated as debt with limited potential consequence

Debt collection agency warning with some potential for negative consequences

100% funding loss

FINAL CHANCE NOTICE, consider impact of non-payment: option to engage and/ or pay water supply only (1^st instalment)

Cut off point for limited consequences

After paying water supply only (April-Sept), 1 acknowledgement email and no action

6 of 10

Additional disruptive potential

Activities associated with initially dealing with non-paying customers, e.g. checking accounts, letter writing and postage costs

Efforts to pressure customers for payments, including debt collection agency commissions

For non-payers willing to go further, costs associated with taking legal action

If customers decided to bring individual or collective legal action against the water company for breach of contract

Admin costs

Recovery costs

Legal costs

Customer legal action

7 of 10

Our demand? No profits for pollution

No shareholder profits paid, until you stop discharging into the waterways (dry or wet)

EA Water and sewerage companies

Environmental Performance Assessment 2022

Water company dividends paid year ending March 2023 (£ millions)

8 of 10

Boycotters say…

“So I’ve just called South West Water and the official I spoke to was extremely polite. He’s made a note that I’m waiting to hear back from the Consumer Council of Water, and so has put my account on hold for a month. He also said to let them know if I need more time after the month is up. So absolutely no pressure or repetition of the threat to pass my account for further debt recovery action…”

South West Water customer not paying for dirty water

“We just received our water bill today. Increased by £97.00 (15%) approx. Absolutely livid. Not an unexpected rise, but what a nerve they have. After years and years of under investment and big bucks bonuses, big dividends for shareholders, they now want customers to pay for their mismanagement. It's a disgrace. We will be withholding payment on part of the bill.”

Wessex Water customer joining the boycott

“Anglian Water emailed me (on my request) to say my complaint (sent end of January) has been closed as they believe it has been resolved. So today I have escalated my complaint about Anglian Water to the Consumer Council for Water using the XR Don’t Pay for Dirty Water letter template.”

Anglian Water boycotter escalating their complaint

“I started on the process on Monday. If you are paying by direct debit, you first need to stop that. I called them and they asked for my customer number and address and didn't ask why I wanted to cancel. I'm going to call them again tomorrow to ask for a refund as my account is in credit and I didn't think of asking them.”

Direct debit canceller Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water)